Alex Kharouk

Projects Skills Education Experience Hobbies and Interests Blog LinkedIn

Before becoming a software developer, I was a freelance scriptwriter writing short films and television pilots. However, I always had a passion for technology and an interest developing applications that benefit humanity. Whether it’s for the web, on your mobile phone, or within augmented reality, I love to challenge myself and learn new, amazing things.

I’m a coach at codebar, where I help underrepresented people learn programming every Wednesday. I’m also a floater (mentor assistant) at codeyourfuture, where I help out mentors teach and support refugees with the dream of becoming developers.

Whilst I now write a different form of scripts, I still love to write. Therefore, I started a blog called the Mental Codeathon, where I write technical blogs. Whether it’s how I deal under pressure in a team environment or learning how to TDD in Java, I am always eager to give back to the community and share my experience.

Currently, I am working towards learning Python, C#, and Machine Learning, as well as develop an augmented reality experience for those who struggle with mental health (specifically anxiety and depression).

Projects

Project Description Technologies Testing Technologies Code/Deployed App
MADE to Help MADE to Help is a native, cross-platform, mobile app that helps find you the best, and most accessible, routes for those who need help navigating the city. React Native, Expo, Google API, Express Jest, Enzyme, Detox Github, Expo Link, Demo Video
fakeBook A Social Media Network that takes the best parts of Facebook, MySpace, and Instagram and combines them into a beautiful package. Ruby on Rails, React, AWS, Travis CI, ActiveRecord & WebSockets RSpec Deployed App
JavaBank A bank transfer system written entirely in Java. Was built in around two days and my primary focuses were to improve my OOD as well as use TDD to create an application in a language I’m unfamiliar with. Java JUnit 5, Mockito Github, REPL Demo
Twittarr The Pirated Version of Twitter. Pirate at Sea? Join Twittarr and find other like-minded individuals as you surf the Seven Webs. 😊 Sinatra, DataMapper, PostgreSQL, Travis RSpec Github, Deployed App

Skills

Ruby

Whether it was developing software for the terminal, or learning full-stack development with Rails and Sinatra, I was able to master Ruby during my time at Makers.

I loved learning the concepts of Ruby, and understanding how to use the language to my advantage. Whenever I struggled on a concept (like Modules and Mixins), I’d register it as an area of improvement and work on it.

Learning Ruby wasn’t only about learning a language; I used Ruby to also learn Code Design Principles, how to Test Drive, and how to debug applications.

JavaScript

JavaScript is a language that excites me due to its versatility. I knew that JS is popular in both back-end and front-end. As someone who wants to work full-stack, I knew I had to master JavaScript first, rather than jump straight into a framework.

So I re-learned OOP with JavaScript, creating applications for the web. I even created my own testing framework in JavaScript which I proudly called Barracuda.

After I felt comfortable with Vanilla JS, I begun learning frameworks like Vue, React, and React Native.

React Native was used in my final Project at Makers, where we also use APIs and Firebase to create an accessible navigation app; a demo video can be found here.

Java

Learning dynamic languages like Ruby and JavaScript was great, but I wanted some experience writing in static languages. I started with TDDing FizzBuzz in Java and I explain my process in this blog post.

I enjoyed Java so much that I also used it in a technical test, where we had to create a banking system written for the terminal. This was an opportunity for me to practice refactoring as well as writing code that is easy to change.

I was able to have separation of concerns in my classes, and successfully complete the tech test. A demo of the application can be found here.

DevOps/CI/CD

I also wanted to focus on automation and making my life easier. I spent some time understanding Continuous Deployment using services like Travis CI and Grunt, that can help automate my process when deploying my applications.

I am also currently learning how to use Docker and Kubernetes, something I am interested in and excited to work with.

Education

Makers Academy (Sept ‘18 to Dec ‘18)

  • Gave me the space to learn how to program fluently, which makes me suitable in all kinds of technical teams. My fluency is discussed here.
  • Allowed me to grow as a fast-learning developer, where I can pick up new technology and can up-skill quickly.
  • Worked with teams where I facilitated Stand-Ups and Retros, and allowed me to develop an agile development process, which I talk about here.
  • Learned the values of Test-Driven Development and collaborating with others with Pair Programming. I bring up learning TDD as well as Object-Oriented Programming in this post.

London Film Academy (September to October 2017)

  • Film and Screenwriting Masters
  • Student of the Year Award 2017
  • Short Film and Script premiered at British Film Institute

Anglia Ruskin, Cambridge (September 2013 to July 2016)

  • Writing & English Literature Bachelors
  • Graduated with 2:1
  • Written multiple novels, short stories, and poems.

Any other qualifications

General Assembly (May 2018)

  • Digital Marketing Intensive
  • Presented a well-thought-out plan to launch a tech start-up that makes travelling cheaper and more accessible to everyone.

Experience

Freelance Content Writer (Aug ‘17 to May ‘18)

  • Worked multiple different positions, working with stakeholders and clients writing scripts, short stories, and doing translation work.
  • Specialised in Digital Marketing, setting up and monitoring Google Analytics accounts and using SMART strategies for advertising campaigns for various companies.

Script Supervisor (Jan ‘18 to May ‘18)

  • Worked as a Script Supervisor on Set for short film productions, working closely with Directors and Producers. Good attention to detail was required.

Ghostwriter (Oct ‘17 to Apr ‘18)

  • Collaborated with writing manager to fulfil the needs of the client.
  • Created content tailored to a specific target audience and writing style.

Hobbies

Creativity

Sports/Mindfulness

  • Love Running and 5k Races
  • Love Yoga; Planning to go on a Kundalini retreat
  • Meditation